Gin Geek, Writer & Distiller

Gin Festival 2016: Norwich

Held in the best venues in some fantastic cities – Gin Festival goes up and down the country – offering over 100 gins – this isn’t your average selection. Split into 4 bars, there is absolutely something for everyone. We first came across this last year when they came to Norwich…just over a year a later – we are back.

Walking into The Open venue in the heart of Norwich – we were greeted by a friendly member of staff who explained the evening – gave us our Gin Festival glass, badge and “The Gin Book” – the bible of the evening. Every gin listed with a brief description and best garnish and Fevertree mixer.

Off we went! Straight into it – getting to try some new gins we hadn’t had before. The 4 Bars – A & B are the finest of our British Gin, Bar C is the rest of the world. Bar D is everything else, such as Sloe Gins and liqueurs.

Dotted around the venue are various companies with plenty of samples on offer, a shop selling some awesome gin merchandise, the “Off License” where you can buy your favourite Gins and a Cocktail bar – with some incredible drinks on offer.

But the highlight of the evening was attending the Gin Masterclasses. Our favourites were Sir Robin of Locksley and Black Shuck. More about those guys over the coming weeks!

If you’re a gin expert, or just starting out – you need to get to a Gin Festival near you. Head over to their website and get on the mailing list – the tickets do go quite quickly, but it is a brilliantly organised event that will be enjoyed by all!!